The Rangers currently have five defensemen under the age of
28 on their roster and two more top prospects on the way, so it’s very likely
New York will be looking to add some offensive firepower with its first-round
pick, No. 15 overall in the NHL Draft.

Between now and June 24th, we’ll take a look at some of the
forwards that the Rangers might be thinking about taking on draft
day. Today, we look at…

The
Scouting Report – “It’s tough to find a player that made a bigger case for
himself at the U18’s than Russia’s
Nikita Kucherov. The dynamic Russian winger absolutely shredded the competition
in Germany
with an astronomical 21 points in 7 games. Kucherov actually had quite a strong
season in the MHL this past year and even had some seasoning in the KHL so it’s
not like he’s coming out of left field. His offensive instincts and dynamic
skills could probably justify a first-round selection, but the likely “Russian”
fears and concerns about strength might push him into the second round.”

Bruins
2011 Draft Watch – “We're going to start calling him "Midas"
because everything he touched turned to gold. Unbelievable offensive
performance by one of the more skilled prospects in the entire class, but who
hurt his standing this season by looking disinterested and acting at times
petulant in earlier tournaments. Kucherov saved his best for last, putting on a
tour-de-force that no doubt will have some NHL teams who do not fear drafting out
of Europe readjusting their previous thinking
on him. Before the tourney we would have thought there was no way Kucherov
would be a first-round pick, but if you're a club picking in the final few
spots of this draft, why wouldn't try to swing for the fences? If he does drop
into the second, the wait won't be a long one. Showed enough game-breaking
speed, quick hands and an absolutely serial killer instinct when it came to
finishing off chances.”

Corey Pronman – “Nikita Kucherov was the draft's best kept secret until the Under-18's, and
those who've followed Kucherov over in Russia's Junior league have long
known about the potential he has. He's an above-average skater, with good mechanics
and quick, rapid strides. His puck skills grade as above-average as well, but
not really in the stick-handling department as that aspect is barely average.
Kucherov makes his play on the puck by the way of his passing skills, which
sits comfortably as a 55 grade tool, but can flash 60. His finishing ability
also grades as above-average. Kucherov has shown the ability to wrist goals
from mid-distance, find and knock in loose pucks from close in and has a hard
one-timer that he likes to unleash from the circles. His physical game at the
moment is below fringe level, just because he's a short guy with a frame that
is very thin and lacks strength, but his work ethic is good enough that when he
grows, the tool can get to fringe. Kucherov frequently goes to the front of the
net, at times spending entire power plays there, shows decent ability
pressuring on the forecheck and will battle for the puck, but is easily
overwhelmed by bigger players. He's a smart player who thinks the game at a
solid to 55 grade level. His offensive smarts are seen in his patience and
vision with the puck and anticipation of the play, and defensively he shows
average ability, with the fact his combination of skating and work ethic let
him fly up and down the ice help him stay on his check well. His intangibles
are also quite notable and his coach noticed that, naming him the Captain of a
team with plenty of 19, 20 and 21 year olds at the age of 17. Kucherov has the
ability to play a plethora of roles, and once he bulks up, he's advanced enough
to make the transition to the highest level pretty soon.”

Hockey’s
Future – “His record breaking scoring performance at the U18s is certain to
improve his draft stock. Kucherov was able to really amplify his skill set
playing with the phenomenal playmaking skills of 2012 top prospect Mikhail
Grigorenko. His opportunism and ability to raise his game to match such skill
is impressive, but Kucherov has been steadily impressing all year long at every
level he has played.”

THN.com – “The knock on Kucherov is his inconsistency, but during the under-18s, he’s
been consistently awesome. The Russian right winger has world-class creativity,
a good shot and mad stickhandling skills.”

Thoughts: Kucherov wasn’t on anyone’s first-round radar
until a ridiculous performance at the under-18s, but now he’s one of the
fastest rising players in the draft.Kucherov passes fantastic passing and finishing ability and is known for
being a good skater and stickhandler as well.Scouts mentioned his inconsistency, but clearly he improved as the year
progressed.As with all Russian
prospects, there is concern about bringing Kucherov over to North
America.That makes picking
him a risk, and one that not all teams are willing to take.

The Rangers drafted Alexei Cherepanov out of Russia in 2007 and didn’t seem worried about
getting him to North America eventually.Kucherov’s offensive ability will make the
Rangers think about him, but he’s probably a bigger risk than they’d like to
take.A team like Washington, which has tremendous success
with Russian prospects thanks to Alex Ovechkin, is a more likely future home
for Kucherov.